Fall Driving Routes In the Brighton-Howell Area

September 10, 2019 | Story by: Megan Schroder

It’s the time of year when the leaves start changing color, the wind starts blowing a cool, crisp breeze, and the kids are getting ready to go back to school. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have one last bit of fun before the winter comes in! Here are some great places to drive and enjoy the majesty of the fall season in Livingston County.

Markillie Orchard

This hidden gem of Howell has been family owned and operated in Howell for over twenty years. With over ten varieties of apples and great food items including donuts, cider, jams and more there’s always a delicious locally-produced treat just around the corner! Bring your whole family, as Markillie Orchard has a play area for the kids! For location and hours click here.

Brighton Recreation Area

Get in touch with nature with nearly 5,000 acres to explore at the Brighton Recreation Area. Interspersed with hills and lakes; including Bishop Lake, there is always something to discover. Brighton Recreation Area has several miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding! Get some friends together for a weekend, pitch a tent and gather around the campfire at one of six different campgrounds! Click here for more information about the trails, and campground amenities.

Eternity Brewing

Nothing says ‘Beer Season’ quite like the fall, and Eternity Brewing is just one of many local breweries in the area where you can start planning your beer tour. Enjoy a rotating variety of beer, from lagers, IPA’s, porters, and stout, or check out their full brew list here. Eternity Brewing hosts weekly events including trivia, Corn Hole tournaments and live local music so there’s always something going on! Check out the full calendar of events!

Brighton Coffeehouse & Theatre 

If beer isn’t quite your thing, perhaps you will enjoy another kind of brew. Located in the heart of downtown Brighton, enjoy fresh coffee from this local, independent, coffee house, or pick up some beans and brew at home. You can also grab lunch with a selection of or catch one of the many live performances and shows, performed by local artists throughout the week.

Howell Nature Center

Fall is a great time to support conservation and learn about the local wildlife with a visit to the Howell Nature Center, the biggest wildlife rescue clinic in Michigan. Check out the Wild Wonders Wildlife Park,  where you can view 30 different species of indigenous animals or the DTE and Bishop Centers Raptor house, which is home to a variety of birds of prey. The Howell Nature Center is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 5 pm and is great for all ages! Alexandra’s NatureScape and The Treehouse are a great playscape and treehouse for you to let your kids” explore their wild side” at. Start planning your wildlife adventure here.

Hell, MI

It’s not often we get to tell readers to go to Hell, but this time we mean it! As long as you go to Hell, Michigan! Stop by Screams Souvenirs from Hell & Helloween to enjoy some delicious ice cream from the Creamatory, get a souvenir, or play some putt-putt! Be sure to sink your fangs into some delicious food at the Hell Hole Diner, with their wide variety of offerings. A trip to Hell is a great way to get ready for the spooky Halloween season!

As you can see Livingston County has plenty of places to discover the wonders of the fall season. From donuts and cider with the kids at Markillie Orchard to hiking a trail at Brighton Recreation Area and these are just some of the things you can do! Stay up to date with all the fall happenings by signing up for our newsletter!

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